Don Horner

Horner, a North Carolina native, first arrived in Hawaii as a lieutenant commander in the United States Navy more than 30 years ago. "I'm blessed to be able to see the opening to Pearl Harbor [from my office]," he says of his view of the naval ships.

Photo: Olivier Koning

With the view commanding so much attention, it takes a moment to notice anything else in Horner's office: the small stereo under his desk that plays his favorite Hawaiian music; the antique coffee table and the half-dozen koa bowls, catching rays on the table tops along the window.

Of the many items scattered throughout the 800-square-foot office, Horner says, "It really depends on the mood you're in - what you find most special." One candidate is the small artificial flower at his desk, a gift he received years ago from a retiring employee. Another could be the blues and greens of the late Tadashi Sato's artwork on the wall.

However, Horner, a family man, says the most cherished items in the room are the photos of his two sons - one photo in particular. Years ago, his late wife photographed his youngest son looking out the window at Horner returning home from work. Horner says that photo is "incentive for me to get home."